Asm. MaryJane Shimsky

Maddy summaryThis bill changes New York's Freedom of Information Law to set stricter deadlines for government agencies to respond to public record requests. Agencies must acknowledge requests within 5 business days and provide records within: 180 days for pre-2026 requests, 90 days for 2027 requests, and 60 days for 2028 or later requests. Agencies may only extend these deadlines if federal law blocks them, staff can't safely access records, or requests are extremely voluminous - requiring detailed written explanations to requesters and the Open Government Committee. It directly affects citizens, journalists, and researchers seeking government records by ensuring faster, more predictable responses.

Directs the commissioner of the office of general services to erect a monument to be known as the "New York state Holocaust memorial" in the Governor Nelson A. Rockefeller Empire State Plaza to memorialize the victims of the Holocaust and to educate the public about the history of the Holocaust and the dangers of antisemitism, racism, and all manifestations of intolerance.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires most health insurance plans (issued or renewed on or after January 1, 2020) to cover specific contraceptive services provided by pharmacists without cost-sharing. It mandates coverage for all FDA-approved contraceptives (including over-the-counter options), emergency contraception, patient education, follow-up care, and up to a 12-month supply at once. Pharmacists dispensing self-administered hormonal contraceptives must receive reimbursement equivalent to other healthcare providers. The law directly affects insurance companies, pharmacists, and individuals seeking contraceptive care through insurance.

Regulates automated decision-making by government agencies; requires agencies to conduct impact assessments; requires disclosure of automated decision-making tools utilized by governmental agencies.

Requires advertisements to disclose the use of a synthetic performer; imposes a $1,000 civil penalty for a first violation and a $5,000 penalty for any subsequent violation.

Maddy summaryThis bill transfers the Amistad Commission from the Department of State to the New York State Education Department. The commission, which focuses on promoting education about the African slave trade, slavery in America, and African-American contributions, will now operate under the Education Department's oversight. Key provisions include moving all commission-related functions, pending matters, and staff support to the Education Department, while maintaining the commission's existing duties like compiling educator volunteers and recommending curricula. The transfer does not change the commission's educational mission or voting structure.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits operating, promoting, or supporting online sweepstakes games in New York that simulate casino-style gaming (like slot machines or poker) and allow players to exchange points for cash. It directly affects game operators, licensed gaming entities, financial institutions, payment processors, and media affiliates that facilitate these activities. Key provisions require the state gaming commission or attorney general to deny licenses or enforce penalties, including fines of $10,000-$100,000 per violation, with fines funding problem gambling education. Enforcement includes investigations, cease-and-desist orders, and hearings by state authorities.

Requires each appropriate institution housing a defendant due to mental disease or defect to assign a critical time intervention care management team to the defendant and make a single point of access referral for the defendant prior to such defendant's discharge.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the city of Yonkers to sell a 10,535-square-foot parcel of parkland (part of Samuel Untermyer Park) to St. John's Riverside Hospital for restoring the Color Gardens on the Untermyer estate. In exchange, Yonkers must dedicate a larger replacement park parcel (19,840 square feet) of equal or greater fair market value. The law requires the city to ensure the new parkland meets or exceeds the value of the land sold, and to comply with federal rules if any federal funds were used for the original park. This transaction directly affects Yonkers residents by altering parkland use while mandating equivalent public space replacement.

Enacts the "freedom to read act"; requires the commissioner of education and school library systems to develop policies to ensure that school libraries and library staff are empowered to curate and develop collections that provide students with access to the widest array of developmentally appropriate materials available.